Tennis fans usually focus on rallies and scorelines during a tournament. But sometimes the conversation shifts to something lighter. That happened recently when Alexander Zverev shared a playful comment about the outfits worn by some of the biggest names on the ATP Tour. The moment came during media conversations at the BNP Paribas Open in California.
Zverev, who has worked with sportswear brand Adidas for more than a decade, was asked about how tennis clothing is designed for professional players. While explaining his own involvement with Adidas, the German star also joked about the recent tennis outfits worn by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Both players wear gear designed by Nike, and their colorful kits have recently sparked discussion among tennis fans.
Alexander Zverev talks about Adidas partnership while joking about Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner Nike outfits
During the conversation, Zverev explained that he has been closely involved in designing his own tennis outfits for many years. According to him, Adidas designers often ask for his input before releasing new kits.
“With Adidas, luckily, I have my own custom line, so I have a little bit of a say,” Zverev said. “I can say what I like and say what I don’t like. I can say what colors I like, what combinations I like.”
The German player said the process has become easier because he and the company have worked together for more than ten years.
“We had a partnership for over 10 years now, so it’s going great,” he added. “Of course, it’s a combined work, but they know my preferences already. After 10 years working together, it stays that way.”
When the discussion turned toward other brands, Zverev gave praise to Frances Tiafoe, who recently partnered with Lululemon. According to Zverev, he likes the direction of those designs.
“I love the new stuff from Francis Tiafoe, the Lululemon stuff. I think they’re doing a great job,” Zverev said.
However, he also joked about Nike’s recent tennis outfits. “I feel like Nike has become a bit colorblind lately,” he said with a smile. Zverev also explained that accessories help players show their personality beyond their clothing.
“Accessories help you show personality. You can show a bit more who you are, what you like, what you’re like outside the court,” he said. “I have chains. I have a watch. That’s how I show my personality.”
While the fashion debate created a fun moment, the tennis itself has been intense at Indian Wells. Zverev, Alcaraz and Sinner have all reached the quarterfinal stage of the tournament. Sinner has looked particularly strong, winning his matches against Joao Fonseca, Denis Shapovalov and Dalibor Svrcina without dropping a set.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz needed three sets to defeat Arthur Rinderknech earlier in the tournament, and Zverev also played a tight match against Brandon Nakashima. One surprise came when Novak Djokovic exited the tournament early after losing to defending champion Jack Draper in the fourth round.